New CJ5 owner.. seeks advice

I_Need_Parts

New Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2011
Location
Sanford
Heres the low down... 1976 CJ5 AMC 20 rear, leaking everywhere, brakes need work, and open diff... I am looking for a better axle OR advice on upgrading my current axle.. 1pc axle conversion??? anybody got any cost effective Ideas??
Also I should mention that this Jeep is a Highway, LIGHT offroad jeep that will see the sand of the beaches and frequent trips to the river.. NO hardcore wheeling and or mud/rocks..
Also,.. the jeep appears to have a weak (read broken) spring as it pitches and dives with old shocks, so I am looking for Springs either known good springs or aftermarket springs the jeep came (from PO) SOA. any ideas? cost effective measures??
Thanks for the help here guys, New to the board.. New to Jeeps..
 
A one piece axle conversion should be fine for your purposes. I would look closely into the SOA that the previous owner did, as an improperly setup SOA can introduce all sort of issues, especially on a cj5. Post up some pics if you have them.
 
No good pics yet.. but the SOA looks fairly decent.. Driveline angles quality of welds all in all not to bad..

the big thing is the springs.. the front leaf packs look to have "shifted" right to left.. not perfectly stacked. hard to explain pics to follow.

but for what it is, and what is in it... I think we got a deal. 258 I6 3speed.. No PS or PB
 
If you need to replace the springs, stock YJ springs are a pretty good swap for a SOA CJ. I ran them on my last CJ7, and they really improved the ride quality. It's not too bad of a swap either, I'm sure there are several write-ups around the internet. You would definitely want to run a rear traction bar if you're not already, as they're relatively flexy and SOA jeeps have a tendency to axle wrap anyway.
 
I have heard of the YJ springs on CJ.. and thats an option this CJ5 is a 1976 so i think at most we would have to change the front spring hanger (maybe??)

whats the going rate for stock yj take off springs?

also any link as to a traction bar to prevent said axle wrap..
 
so after the new shock install I think the springs will be OK until we decide if we want/need more lift..

Thanks for the help/ideas guys
 
'76 CJ-5's are twitchy on the road. Part of the problem is the lack of sway bars. Also look at the spring bushings and the steering box mount. Make sure the mounting bolts are tight and the frame isn't cracked or broken. Had one. I know these problems.
 
I_Need_Parts said:
has nice red bushing installed by previous owner.. I looked at steering box mount it appeared to be fine..
Click to expand...
Just in case, have someone rock your steering wheel left to right while you look at the box and steering components.
 
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